Firefighters' auction to benefit cancer society
Area firefighters will step up on the auction block today with hopes of helping extinguish cancer.
About a dozen single and married firefighters are volunteering their time to help raise money for the American Cancer Society and the Lombard/Addison/Oakbrook Terrace Relay for Life.
Festivities will be from 7 to 10 p.m. at Anyway's Restaurant and Pub, 5 E. Roosevelt Road, Oakbrook Terrace.
As part of the Extinguish Cancer One Firefighter at a Time benefit, participants will have the opportunity to bid on single firefighters who will take winners for a night on the town.
The dates, to be held in the near future, will entail a meal and possibly an activity, such as a wine-tasting, movie or miniature golf, said organizer Jenelle Young, of the Oakbrook Terrace chapter of the American Cancer Society.
The married firefighters will be donating their skills at a trade or hobby during their off hours, such as cooking, a heating/cooling project, yard work or car detailing, Young said.
Tasks still were being finalized early this week.
"We wanted to do something a little more unique and fun," Young said. "People's expressions when they hear 'married firefighters' is priceless. Even if you don't bid, it's going to be a riot to watch."
Young's beau, Oakbrook Terrace firefighter Doug Hardtke, suggested the unusual fundraiser after a friend of his participated in a similar one in Chicago earlier this year.
Hardtke saw the fundraising potential when his friend was boasting about being the second-highest moneymaker. After the not-for-profit signed on to the idea, a challenge ensued and has grown to include several firefighters, Hardtke said.
"I said, 'I could make more than you,'" he said. "Boys will be boys. It's all just bragging rights."
Hopefully, the rivalry will help raise even more money, he said.
Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. Bidders must be at least 21, but 18- to 20-year-old guests are welcome provided they are accompanied by a parent or guardian. Festivities will include the auctions, a 50/50 raffle and goody bags.
The money will go toward the Relay for Life that is roughly $10,000 short of organizers' $85,000 goal. The relay, which was held at Montini Catholic High School, involved teams of individuals who took turns walking or running around a track overnight.
All the proceeds ultimately benefit the cancer society and its efforts, which include supporting research and raising awareness to defeat the disease.
"We'll see how it goes," Young said. "We'd like to make it a year-after-year event."
For details, e-mail ExtinguishCancer@yahoo.com or visit relayforlifealv.com. For the latest cancer-related information, see www.cancer.org.
If you go
What: Extinguishing Cancer One Firefighter at a Time benefit auction
When: 7 to 10 p.m. today
Where: Anyway's Restaurant and Pub, 5 E. Roosevelt Road, Oakbrook Terrace
Info: ExtinguishCancer@yahoo.com or call Jenelle Young at (630) 932-1141